Police continue investigation into Tauranga man's death

Tauranga Harbour. File Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Police trying to piece together the last known movements of a Tauranga man have received another confirmed sighting.

Father-of-one Ira Shephard, 29, was found dead in Tauranga Harbour on Saturday, December 8 and police have been working since then to establish his movements and ascertain his state of mind.

At the time of his death Mr Shephard's brother Charlie said Ira loved his large family and his three-year-old daughter, Maddison.

"He had a big family, about 10 brothers and sisters in all ... It will be a big hole in our family and a familiar face missing in Tauranga."

The previous last known sighting of Mr Shephard was about 10am on December 1 but police have now received information from a member of the public who saw him on the Mt Manganui track by Pilot Bay at 4pm that day.

The female witness said Mr Shephard was walking alone along the track carrying a box of beer.

His body was found a week later in Tauranga Harbour and police are appealing for more witness to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Iain Chapman said: "The woman who reported this was concerned about wasting our time with information that may not be relevant but having read a recent renewed appeal made contact with us.

"It just goes to show that seemingly irrelevant information may in fact be key to an investigation so we encourage everyone to let us be the judge. We would rather receive irrelevant information than miss something vital."

Mr Shephard was 1.7 metres tall with medium build and short blonde hair.

He was wearing a dark t-shirt and dark jeans. He may have been sitting somewhere along the track drinking with others or by himself.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Iain Chapman on 07 577 4374.